Thug killed man with learning difficulties after wrongly believing he was a sex offender from Facebook rumours

Violent Paul Watkins lured vulnerable Craig Eade to his home in Gateshead in February, where he plied him with crack cocaine, attacked him with a hammer, kicked and stamped then strangled him

By Guy Birchall

12th June 2017,3:01 pm

Updated: 12th June 2017,9:18 pm

A MURDERER who killed a man in his home then dumped his body in a wheelie bin outside over baseless Facebook rumours that his victim was a sex offender was jailed for life today.

Tragic Craig Eade, who had learning difficulties, became a target in his community and had already been hospitalised in an earlier attack over unfounded online allegations that he had committed a sexual offence.

Tragic Craig Eade was murdered at his home in Gateshead earlier this year following baseless rumours of him being a sex offender

Newcastle Crown Court heard career criminal Paul Watkins lured the vulnerable 23-year-old to his home in Gateshead in February, where he plied him with crack cocaine, attacked him with a hammer, kicked and stamped then strangled him until he thought he was dead.

While the 36-year-old was wrapping up Mr Eade’s body in bedding and binding his arms and legs with cable ties, he realised his victim was alive.

He then grabbed a steak knife from the kitchen and severed his jugular with a single stab to the neck.

Watkins left Mr Eade’s remains in his flat for more than a day before he dumped the body in a wheelie bin.

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“For us, no sentence could ever be enough for the lifetime of pain and hurt we have to face.

“I hope my son can rest in peace now.

“At least I know where he is, with the knowledge that no one can hurt him or take advantage of him anymore.

“Our lives will never be complete again.”

Watkins, of Northbourne Street, Deckham, Gateshead, admitted murder as well as burglary and an unrelated charge of possessing class A drugs with intent in relation to 15 wraps of diamorphine he was warehousing for a dealer.